Deering Oaks, a 55 acre park in Portland, was created in 1879 by then City Engineer William Goodwin…read more(DYK: the park didn't have lighting for almost a century!). His hope was that "The Oaks" would be "a public breathing space". Over the years, the park has evolved - in 1883 the bandstand was built, in 1887 the duck house and fountain were installed, in 1894 the Castle was built (as a hut for ice skaters to warm themselves), and in 1902 a playground was built. Fast forward to current age and Deering Oaks is the home to farmers' markets, the Festival of Nations, performances of all kinds, Twilight in the Park, and a whole host of other amazing events. We've truly done an excellent job at making it a unique-to-Portland area where people truly can decompress and enjoy nature (I almost touched a squirrel here once, but he realized I had no snacks and quickly lost interest; next time... next time...; it was also the home to our rare great black hawk for a spell). Yes, there parts of the park that might be "a little rough", but all in all it's BEAUTIFUL. Spring and summer brings on a million shades of green and wee ones playing in the wading pool; autumn is positively ablaze with orange and red hues; and during winter you'll see the tree with long arms covered in lights, along with hockey and ice skating on the pond! For me, it's one of the best representations of the seasons that Portland has. Here's my suggestion to you: if you see there's trash in the park, be a good citizen, and pick it up. Let's continue to make it the space that Wiliiam Goodwin had planned for us 'lo those many years ago!

Duck poop all over lol watch where walk on the pathways. Free parking by the entrance by ranger…read morestation.

I am so surprised this spot isn't more known throughout the city! But, I also don't mind it. I like…read moreit as one of Portland's best kept secrets. *winky face* I found out about Fort Sumner Park through a post on a Facebook group. Someone posted the most beautiful sunset overlooking the city, and kindly shared the location; Fort Sumner Park. I visited for the first time a while ago with a friend, and since then it has become our go-to place to catch the sunset. Like Steff mentioned, from a distance this spot is nothing special - some grass, trees, and benches. But once you actually start exploring this tiny but mighty park, especially during "golden hour", you realize why it's magical. From the end of the park, overlooking the city, you almost feel like you can touch the orange sun. From this park, you can see the city change colors right in front of you as the sun slowly sets. It's truly hard to describe how beautiful it is. You must go and see it in person! After a long day at work, visiting Fort Sumner Park is basically therapy. I catch myself saying "WOW" multiple times as the sun sets and I enjoy my beer. It's one of my favorite spots in Portland. TIP: Bring a picnic blanket, some snacks, and some beers. There's always space to sit on the grass. Parking can be difficult during peak hours, but there's always residential parking for free around the area, but be prepared to walk a block or two.

Amazing amazing sunset views. Not only sunset but during the day you have spectacular views of the…read morecity. Also it's a great park to just sit and relax under a tree with a book or at the bench. Very peaceful

I love the views! It's great for a picnic and a little bit…read moreof history. There's plenty of open space for you to hang out with family or friends and enjoy the ocean views and breeze. While it may be controversial, I'm glad they moved the food trucks to the lower lot. It's less crowded when you arrive and less crowded near the food trucks - meaning only people getting food are in the area, vs people walking/running through with animals and kids that aren't going to the food trucks. It's also less noisy not being next to the generators. We love the food trucks there and will continue to enjoy them while also enjoying the peaceful hill. The kids in the family really enjoy the canons and the playgrounds. The times we have gone the playgrounds have been clean - thankfully no needles or trash anywhere to be seen.

The Eastern Promenade is a popular place to take a walk in Portland and see the water. There were…read morelots of people so we had to search for parking but it wasn't bad. We walked down to the Portland Paddle area. You can reach the water but there is not a beach there. Some people find a place for a picnic on the grass. Others ride bikes around the Promenade. The views of Casco Bay are good.

The West End is a promenade that's located on the edge of an area called Brahmall Hill and is…read morecurrently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It's got beautiful and historical architecture with it's Victorian homes (and, apparently, former sea captain homes as well), stunning views of NH's White Mountains on clear days, spacious green areas and walking paths, a tree swing, the Western Cemetery fraught with our cities deceased wealthier ancestors, great walking areas, and it even once won an award from the Portland Phoenix for having one of the best secret spots to make-out in a tree (I kid you not). To me, the Western Prom is the established, composed, unruffled older sister (who's probably quite proper and likes garden parties) to the Eastern Prom. I'd like to think I've got a little West End in me, and it's fun to pretend I belong there when I'm picnicking and watching the planes come in and out of PWM from a distance. I've seen kiddos practicing lacrosse here with their dad, people relaxed under trees reading, friends playing a pick-up game of bocce while drinking something out of red solo cups. There used to be more events held here (... the legendary Halloween parade is not to be missed); so hopefully those concerts and outings begin to happen again!

Lots of benches and green space, a meandering path with some interesting trees and a few small…read moregardens, and some lovely Victorian houses to look at as you meander. Unfortunately the views aren't that great (unless maybe at sunset) and there isn't a lot of shade seating. A good option if you're already in the area but not a destination park in my mind.

Headed over to Fort Williams Park to see the Portland headlight, which is the oldest lighthouse in…read moreMaine authorize by George Washington. There are several paid parking lots, which is a short walk to the water to see the lighthouse. They have a small gift shop adjacent to the lighthouse. There are several food trucks around the area where you can purchase food and dine on picnic tables or on the grassy area. Also, you can walk a path along the waters edge to get a good view of the rocks and ocean. It's so beautiful and relaxing. We ended up walking around for about two hours. I highly recommend visiting Portland, headlight and enjoying the beautiful views.

Our family visited Portland Head Light (in Fort William Park) to take photos around 6pm in July…read more2026. It's about a 10 minute drive from South Portland and well worth the trip! First, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine (which was completed in 1791 and authorized by George Washington). Second, it's easily accessible - just a short walk from the parking lot. Third, you have the option to buy lobster rolls if it's lunch or dinner time or bring your own picnic to spread out on the spacious grounds. Parking is only $3 per hour. Since the WiFi connection for Verizon was weak, I paid for a printed paper ticket (minimum of $6 for 2 hours). Would strongly recommend coming here within 2 hours of sunset for the best lighting of photos. Also, be sure to spend some time walking along the coast for stunning views of the rocks below.

This was my "go-to" park for jogging in the morning during a July 2026 stay in South Portland. It…read morehas so many pluses. First, parking is free and generally available in the morning. Second, it has a lovely, open view of Casco Bay with several islands in the distance. Third, you can jog along the park and around the marina - or connect to the Greenway trail for a longer run. Fourth, it has a cool display on WW2 history and Portland's vital role in navy shipbuilding (more than 25,000 workers added to the population).

This is a nice place for a quick stop! Theres a nice walking path. If it was a warm day i would…read morehave taken a walk since it has beautiful views. The lighthouse itself was small but well kept. Overall a nice picturesque park.

Jewell falls is a waterfall of water flowing from the Fore River and is named for Tom Jewell who…read morewas one of the founders Portland Trails and very much alive today. Did you know that Portland Trails started in 1991? He donated the land around the falls and the rest of the land the trail walls through is a mix of public and private land. You see evidence of this with many marked signs that designate private property -- good to respect these so we can continue to walk these trails. Somehow I got lost off my usual path I take and ended up going on the greater fore river sanctuary trail loop around and across the railroad tracks, but the boardwalks were great! Back to the falls, if you start at the trailhead near Brighton ave, it's less than 0.25 miles of a walk. The falls are made of horsetails of rushing water over large slabs of rock. The trails are really well maintained and there's not too many people. You can definitely still hear traffic from some parts but there are a few quiet enclaves.

This hike is a nice place to take a short stroll for the locals but not a place I would recommend…read moretourist to come. First off, it is only about half mile from parking to the waterfall. So total hike was only 1 mile. it is a WALK, not hike. Good for families with young ones. Be very aware that the mosquitoes here are super HUNGRY! I have never gotten so many bites within such a short time inside a hike! I got 6-7 bites all over my legs just from hiking here for 30 mins. My husband got 8+ bites all over his body! Luckily my little one only got 1 bite. We were all over Maine in the last 2 weeks including kayaking and out at Acadia national park. All outdoor activities and barely got any bites until now! There are other trails here too but after getting so many bites, we wanted to run away as fast as we could! I wish I didn't come here. View and waterfall are not worth it for trade off of these hungry hungry mosquitoes!! *sooo itchy* :-/ Bring bug spray if you wanna come!

One of the most beautiful lighthouses in Maine! I love going and walking on the path and seeing all…read morethe sites! Make sure to see the fort ruins as well, it's very fun!

Im patting myself on the back for booking this trolley and lighthouse tour!…read more Our guide, Wendy, was stellar- knowledgeable- friendly - funny and genuine. She showed us incredible architecture, shoppes, etc. What a doll! Since we were the last tour of the day, we got to stop here. A MAGNIFICENT way to end a lovely trolley ride! The park has stunning views and we loved the lighthouse. We took plenty of photos and enjoyed a sumptuous gelato from a food truck. GOOOOOOOOO HERE !!!!!

Congress Squark Park, an open and public concrete space - and home to Union Station Clock -, was…read morecreated through an urban renewal project in the early 80's. Thankfully, the NPO Friends of Congress Square Park have done a lot over the years to protect it from outside buyers, preserve it, and breathe new life into it. This once deteriorated space has become a hub for arts, entertainment, and community togetherness. Over the course of the past many years I have... - Been entertained by the Circus Conservatory of America - Listened to the Maine Marimba Ensemble perform - Watched fire jugglers - Looked at art - Played an impromptu game of kickball ... in the park. And that was before all of the great things that are now intentionally planned for the space! Now, there's... - copious amounts of lovely seating - food trucks - even more musical and theater performances - outdoor movies - dance lessons - group knitting sessions - yoga and tai chi - kid-friendly activities ... all in the park. So impressed and grateful towards the Friends of Congress Square Park for what they've done. Bravo, folks! Thank you!

Adorable little park with incredible public space offerings & events throughout the year.read more

Relaxing park with a view cool breeze and walking trails. So very relaxing to exercise walk work or…read morejust take in the scenery.

This park was a great find with plenty of area to enjoy. Please note, there is limited amount of…read moreparking. I didn't realize this importance of this area until I had read the plaque. Great memorial to the USS Portland. Yes, there are still couple of cannons. The views are beautiful overlooking the ocean. If you have time, take the stairs to the wooded area and to the water. Enjoy this great park.